One of the best ways to trace the changes in culture through the years is by examining fashion, which has always been an outward expression of our changing attitudes.

Styles from various times in the past can be so distinctive that a mere dress or shoe may conjure up vivid images from history, whether we lived through those years or not.

And of course handbags are no exception — as culture changes, so does the look of this quintessential accessory. While we adore real vintage pieces, it's also fun to find modern purses that are inspired by some of our favorite fashions of yore.